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JOINT RESOLUTION GRANTING LEGISLATIVE

2     
APPROVAL FOR THE SALE OF UTAH STATE

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DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER LAND

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2018 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Michael S. Kennedy

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Senate Sponsor: Daniel Hemmert

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9     LONG TITLE
10     General Description:
11          This joint resolution of the Legislature authorizes the Utah State Developmental Center
12     Board to approve the sale of land associated with the Utah State Developmental Center
13     (USDC) for the purpose of building an east-west connector road.
14     Highlighted Provisions:
15          This resolution:
16          ▸     recognizes the important role the USDC plays in the provision of resources and
17     support for individuals with intellectual disabilities who have complex or acute
18     needs;
19          ▸     recognizes the contributions that members of the community make to the USDC;
20          ▸     recognizes the value of an east-west connector road for the environment, the
21     economy, the local community, and individuals who visit, volunteer, and work at
22     the USDC; and
23          ▸     authorizes the USDC Board to approve the sale of land associated with the USDC
24     for the purpose of building an east-west connector road.
25     Special Clauses:
26          None
27     


28     Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
29          WHEREAS, Utah Code Subsection 62A-5-206.6(5) requires that the Utah State
30     Developmental Center Board obtain the approval of the Legislature before offering real
31     property or water rights associated with the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC) for sale,
32     long-term lease, or other disposition;
33          WHEREAS, in 1929 the Legislature established the Utah State Training Center, later
34     known as the USDC, to assist with the care, protection, treatment, and education of individuals
35     with intellectual disabilities;
36          WHEREAS, like other states, Utah built the public institution in a remote location and
37     within a broad perimeter of land that provided a physical barrier between the institution and the
38     nearest rural homes and communities;
39          WHEREAS, since state governments first acknowledged a public interest in, and
40     accepted some fiscal responsibility for, citizens with intellectual disabilities, states have made
41     sweeping changes in the philosophy and practice of providing public services to those citizens;
42          WHEREAS, these paradigm shifts have resulted from a growing knowledge about
43     intellectual disabilities, including their causes, prevention, interventions, and accommodations;
44          WHEREAS, also contributing to the paradigm shifts was an improving regard for
45     individuals who experience intellectual disabilities, as evidenced by public laws that affirm and
46     promote their rights, an expansion of publicly funded services, and greater inclusion by their
47     communities;
48          WHEREAS, the USDC Board oversees and makes recommendations to the Legislature
49     concerning the development of real property associated with the USDC for the long-term
50     benefit and safety of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive
51     care or support from the USDC;
52          WHEREAS, each year individuals from the local community provide over 16,000 hours
53     of volunteer service to the USDC;
54          WHEREAS, according to a 2017 Department of Transportation managed study, by the
55     year 2040, an east-west connector road is projected to save up to 44,000 hours of driving time
56     each year and reduce miles traveled each year by 1.8 million;
57          WHEREAS, the improved access that an east-west connector road will provide will
58     benefit USDC volunteers, visitors, and staff members; and

59          WHEREAS, the improved access that an east-west connector road will provide will
60     reduce response time for public safety personnel who serve the USDC, thus improving safety
61     and security for USDC residents:
62          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature, in accordance with Utah
63     Code Subsection 62A-5-206.6(5), authorizes the USDC Board to approve the sale of land
64     associated with the USDC for the purpose of building an east-west connector road, according
65     to specifications provided by the Department of Transportation in collaboration with the USDC
66     Board, and in consideration of the resolution passed by the USDC Board on May 17, 2017.
67          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature directs that the Department of
68     Transportation and all other governmental entities involved in the construction of the east-west
69     connector road take all reasonable steps to mitigate any negative impact on the Utah State
70     Developmental Center or private property.






Legislative Review Note
Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel